Knowledgebase

Do planters need airflow? #868498

Asked May 15, 2024, 9:04 AM EDT

Hello, I have several large planters (6'L x 1.5'W x 2'H) made of cedar. I lined the boxes with weed barrier fabric. I was concerned that they didnt' have enough drainage, so I cut some inch-wide holes at the bottom. There is not bottom to the planters, so the landscaping fabric is sitting right on the concrete ground. Is this problematic in terms of air-flow for the roots? Should the planters have been raised above the ground to allow for airflow? 

Baltimore City County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

If you can see the water draining from the edge of the containers then they should be fine. It depends on how deep they are as well. You may find with the abundance of plants and the heat of the summer that they will need water at least once a day. 

We can't tell in the photo how deep the planters are. It looks like the picture may have been corrupted or altered? If you feel the need to clarify, feel free to send an additional photo. 

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 15, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
Hi Emily,

It's hard to tell is water is seeping out since it's been raining so much and the ground is already wet. The planters are 2 feet deep. I put about 5 inches of mulch at the bottom. 

Picture attached. Thanks for your help.

Phuong 

On Wed, May 15, 2024, 11:13 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT

Hi Phuong, 

They look like they should be fine for drainage and air circulation. Just feel the soil before watering to make sure they need it. With all the rain you most likely don't need to water any time soon. They should be deep enough too. They are beautiful and it looks very nice with the window box as well! 

Thank you for the photo clarification. 

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 15, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT

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